Templar Tattoo: Meaning, Symbols and 15 Design Ideas
The Templar tattoo now brings together several worlds: medieval history, chivalry, Christian symbols, courage, loyalty and warrior aesthetics. A cross pattée, Templar seal, armored knight, sword or Latin motto can therefore inspire very different tattoos.
However, not every symbol found today in so-called “Templar” tattoos was historically an emblem of the Order of the Temple.
A tattoo inspired by the Templars is above all a contemporary creation. To give it real meaning, it is therefore better to distinguish symbols that are genuinely documented in the history of the Temple from those that were associated with the chivalric imagination later on.
Key points
- The cross pattée is strongly associated with the Templars today, but it was not invented by the Order of the Temple.
- The seal showing two riders on the same horse genuinely belongs to medieval Templar iconography.
- Non Nobis Domine is a biblical phrase traditionally associated with the Templars, but its status as an official motto should be treated with nuance.
- The Maltese Cross historically belongs to the world of the Hospitallers and should not be presented as a Templar emblem.
Contents
What does a Templar tattoo mean?
There is no single meaning for a Templar tattoo.
Its meaning depends above all on the chosen design, its context and the intention of the person wearing it.
In the contemporary imagination, the Templars are frequently associated with ideas such as honor, discipline, faith, loyalty, courage and brotherhood.
These values can certainly inspire a tattoo, but this modern imagery should not be turned into historical fact.
The brothers of the Temple were first and foremost members of a medieval religious and military order, governed by a rule and a highly structured organization.
To understand their daily lives beyond the image of the fighting knight, our article on the Rule of the Templars places these men back in their historical context.
Which symbols should you choose for a Templar tattoo?
The cross pattée: the most recognizable design
The cross pattée is probably the design most immediately associated with the Templars today.
It is recognizable by its four arms, which gradually widen toward their ends.
For a tattoo, its geometry offers an obvious advantage: it remains identifiable both in a minimalist design and in a much larger composition.
It can be shown on its own, incorporated into a shield, placed behind a sword or included in a scene depicting a knight.
Historically, however, an important distinction must be made: the cross pattée was not invented by the Templars and did not belong exclusively to them.
Forms of the cross pattée existed before the creation of the Order of the Temple. They also appear in different medieval religious and heraldic contexts.
Documents do nevertheless attest to its presence in the Templar world. To explore this further, see our study on the meaning of the cross pattée.
If you would like to wear this symbol in another form, you can also discover our Code of Honor Necklace, inspired by the cross pattée.
The Templar seal: a powerful historical symbol
For those looking for a symbol directly connected to the Order of the Temple, the seal showing two riders on the same horse is a particularly interesting option.
This image appears on medieval seals associated with the Order.
Today, the motif is regularly interpreted as a representation of brotherhood or of the poverty of the early Templars. These interpretations are popular, but the exact meaning of the image should be approached cautiously.
For a tattoo, the circular format of the seal is especially well suited to a composition on the shoulder, chest, shoulder blade or arm.
It also makes it possible to create a tattoo that is less immediately recognizable than the cross pattée while still using a symbol taken directly from Templar iconography.
We have devoted a full article to the history and meaning of the Templar seal.
For a broader design inspired by seals and crusading symbols, you can also discover our Crusaders' Seal Ring.
Non Nobis Domine: faith and humility
Non Nobis Domine is one of the inscriptions most often associated with the contemporary Templar world.
The phrase comes from the biblical psalm:
“Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam.”
It can be translated as:
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.”
In a tattoo, this phrase can accompany a cross, sword, shield or knight.
It can then evoke humility, faith or devotion to something greater than the individual.
However, it should not too quickly be presented as an indisputable official motto of the Order of the Temple. Its origin is biblical and predates the Templars.
We examine this question in detail in our article Non Nobis Domine: meaning and connection with the Templars.
Deus Vult: more Crusader than specifically Templar
Deus Vult, generally translated as “God wills it,” also appears in tattoos inspired by the Templars and the Crusades.
But a historical distinction is necessary.
This expression is linked to the world of the First Crusade and is not a symbol specific to the Order of the Temple.
The Templars emerged in the context of the Latin states established in the Holy Land after that crusade, which explains why the two worlds are often blended together today.
A tattoo combining Deus Vult with a knight, a cross or Jerusalem therefore belongs more broadly to the Crusader and chivalric imagination.
To understand its origin, see our article on Deus Vult and its meaning.
Sword, shield and knight
A Templar tattoo does not necessarily have to reproduce a specific medieval emblem.
Many modern compositions instead use a complete representation of the knight: helmet, chain mail, cloak, sword and shield.
These tattoos make it possible to build a genuine visual narrative.
The knight can be shown standing, kneeling, on horseback or in a fighting stance.
A face hidden behind a helmet often strengthens the symbolic character of the figure: the design then represents less a specific individual than a chivalric ideal.
Maltese Cross: beware of confusion
The Maltese Cross appears very frequently in contemporary chivalric imagery and can easily be confused with a Templar cross.
It is recognizable by its four arms forming eight distinctive points.
Historically, however, it is associated with the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem and later with the Order of Malta.
The Templars and Hospitallers coexisted in the Middle Ages and their histories intersected on several occasions, but they were indeed two distinct orders.
If your aim is to create a tattoo historically centered on the Order of the Temple, it is therefore better not to present the Maltese Cross as a “Templar cross.”
Our article on the Maltese Cross, its origin and its connection with the Templars explains this difference in detail.
Which Templar tattoo should you choose for the meaning you want?
The choice can begin not with the design itself, but with what you want it to symbolize.
| Meaning you want | Possible designs |
|---|---|
| Faith | Cross pattée, Non Nobis Domine, cross and sword |
| Honor | Knight, shield, sword |
| Brotherhood | Seal of the two riders |
| Courage | Sword, armored knight, shield |
| Discipline | Restrained knight, vertical sword, geometric cross |
| Simplicity | Small cross pattée, minimalist sword |
This correspondence is of course symbolic and contemporary. It does not mean that medieval Templars necessarily assigned these precise meanings to each of these designs.
Where should you place a Templar tattoo?
| Placement | Suitable designs | Level of detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forearm | Sword, cross, inscription, vertical knight | Medium to high |
| Upper arm | Knight, helmet, shield, complete composition | High |
| Shoulder | Seal, circular cross, shield | Medium to high |
| Chest | Large cross, shield, knight | High |
| Back | Medieval scene, horseman, fortress, banner | Very high |
| Calf | Vertical sword, knight, cross | Medium |
Templar tattoo on the forearm
A Templar forearm tattoo is particularly well suited to vertical compositions.
A sword, a standing knight, a cross accompanied by an inscription or a succession of designs can naturally follow the shape of the arm.
For a detailed project, it is better to leave the tattoo artist enough space so that small elements remain legible over time.
Templar tattoo on the arm or shoulder
The arm and shoulder allow for broader compositions.
A knight in profile, a helmet surrounded by a cross, a medieval scene or a circular seal can therefore be developed with more detail.
The shoulder is particularly suitable for round compositions, while the arm can accommodate a design intended to be extended.
Templar tattoo on the chest
The chest provides a large surface for a central symbol.
A cross pattée, a shield or the Templar seal can be shown on their own, while an asymmetrical composition can combine a knight, an inscription and medieval architecture.
Templar tattoo on the back
For a large composition, the back offers the greatest freedom.
It makes it possible to build a genuine scene: knight on horseback, fortress, banner, medieval landscape or a composition inspired by the Crusades.
It is also the placement that most easily allows detailed work on armor, folds in clothing, stonework and background elements.
Templar tattoo for men: which designs work best?
Searches for Templar tattoos for men often lead to larger compositions using armor, knights, swords, shields or large crosses.
Of course, no design is reserved for men, but some compositions are especially well suited to larger areas such as the arm, shoulder, chest or back.
A black-and-gray knight can, for example, occupy the upper arm, while a vertical sword works particularly well on the forearm.
For a more restrained result, a cross pattée or a short motto lets you keep the Templar aesthetic without using a large battle scene.
Small Templar tattoo: which symbols should you choose?
A Templar tattoo does not have to be large.
For a small tattoo or a discreet design, it is better to choose something that remains legible with very few details.
- a small cross pattée;
- a very simple sword;
- a cross accompanied by a circle;
- a short inscription;
- a geometric symbol inspired by a seal.
By contrast, a complete knight, an extremely detailed seal or a long inscription quickly becomes difficult to read if the tattoo is too small.
Realistic, minimalist or engraving-style Templar tattoo?
Realistic style
Realism is particularly well suited to knights, armor, helmets and medieval scenes.
Shading can give volume to metal pieces and create a dramatic atmosphere.
Black and gray
Black and gray works extremely well with medieval imagery.
It easily recalls old engravings while allowing the artist to work on stone, metal and fabric textures.
Medieval engraving style
A design inspired by illuminations or old engravings can give the tattoo a much more distinctive identity than a conventional realistic depiction.
Strong outlines, hatching and frontal compositions are particularly well suited to scenes of chivalry.
Minimalist style
A cross pattée, a sword or a few geometric lines are enough to evoke the Templar world.
This style is especially suitable for small tattoos and for people looking for a discreet symbol.
Black or red?
Black naturally suits historical or medieval tattoos.
Red can be used to make a cross stand out in a predominantly black composition.
It is a visually powerful combination, but there is obviously no compulsory color palette for a tattoo to be considered “Templar.”
15 Templar tattoo ideas
1. Minimalist cross pattée
A single cross with no decoration, for those looking for a design that is immediately recognizable and easy to fit into a small area.
2. Vertical sword and cross
A sword placed along the axis of the forearm, accompanied by a small cross pattée near the guard.
3. Seal of the two riders
A circular composition inspired by a medieval seal associated with the Order of the Temple.
4. Non Nobis Domine around a cross
A circular inscription surrounding a cross pattée or shield.
5. Kneeling knight
A knight holding his sword in front of him in a posture evoking prayer, an oath or contemplation.
To explore this imagery without a permanent commitment, you can also discover our temporary Templar Knight Tattoo.
6. Black-and-gray Templar helmet
A medieval helmet shown on its own, worked with deep shadows and a few signs of wear.
7. Shield with a cross pattée
A front-facing shield bearing a large cross, possibly accompanied by a sword or banner.
8. Sword and Non Nobis Domine
A vertical sword accompanied by the Latin phrase along the blade or beneath the guard.
9. Templar horseman
A knight mounted on horseback in a dynamic composition suited to the arm, thigh or back.
10. Red cross on a black background
A highly graphic composition in which only the central symbol is colored.
11. Knight before a fortress
A figure seen from behind looking toward a medieval fortification, ideal for a large narrative piece.
12. Simplified seal
A clean, graphic interpretation of the Templar seal that retains its circular appearance while limiting fine detail.
13. Medieval sleeve
A composition gradually covering the arm with a knight, stonework, banner, cross and architectural motifs.
14. Cross pattée in old engraving style
A cross accompanied by hatching, ornaments or motifs inspired by medieval manuscripts and engravings.
15. Large Templar scene on the back
A complete composition combining a knight, fortress, banner, landscape and chivalric symbols.
3 concrete compositions to show a tattoo artist
Forearm composition
Vertical sword + small cross pattée + Non Nobis Domine. The sword naturally follows the axis of the arm, while the inscription can remain discreet beneath the guard.
Shoulder composition
Circular seal + stone texture + medieval border. The rounded shape of the seal naturally follows the shape of the shoulder.
Full-arm composition
Black-and-gray knight + cross pattée shield + fortress in the background. The upper section can feature the figure, while the forearm can extend the scene with a sword or inscription.
How should you choose your Templar tattoo?
Before choosing a final design, it is better to begin with the most important question: what should the tattoo represent for you?
If you are primarily looking for a connection with the history of the Order, favor documented elements such as certain seals or cross forms found in the Templar world.
If you are instead looking for a representation of honor, courage or chivalry, you can embrace a much more contemporary composition.
The important thing is simply not to confuse the two.
To compare the different emblems before choosing your design, our guide to Templar symbols, crosses, seals and mottos is a good place to start.
Historical mistakes to avoid
If you want your tattoo to remain consistent with Templar history, some common confusions are easy to avoid.
- Do not present the Maltese Cross as the official emblem of the Templars.
- Do not assume that every medieval cross is automatically Templar.
- Do not present Deus Vult as a motto specific to the Order of the Temple.
- Do not treat every modern image of a knight in a white cloak as an exact historical reconstruction.
- Do not automatically assign a single meaning to each symbol when medieval sources do not allow us to do so.
This caution does not limit creativity. On the contrary, it makes it possible to understand precisely what belongs to history and what belongs to personal interpretation.
Frequently asked questions about Templar tattoos
What does a Templar tattoo mean?
There is no single meaning. Today, a Templar tattoo can evoke honor, faith, loyalty, discipline, chivalry or simply a passion for medieval history. Its meaning depends on the chosen symbol and the wearer's personal intention.
Which cross should you choose for a Templar tattoo?
The cross pattée is one of the forms most directly associated with the Templars today. However, it was not created exclusively for them. If historical accuracy is the goal, it is better to study the forms documented in medieval seals and representations.
Is the Maltese Cross a Templar cross?
No. The Maltese Cross is historically associated with the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem and later with the Order of Malta. The Templars and Hospitallers were two distinct orders.
Is Non Nobis Domine suitable for a Templar tattoo?
The phrase is very often associated with the Templars today and can certainly serve as inspiration. However, it comes from a biblical psalm, and caution is needed before presenting it as the historically established official motto of the Order.
Is Deus Vult a Templar motto?
Not in the strict sense. Deus Vult is linked to the history of the First Crusade and to the Crusades more generally. It is not a motto specific to the Order of the Temple.
Where should you place a Templar tattoo?
The forearm works well for swords, crosses and vertical compositions. The shoulder easily accommodates circular symbols such as a seal. The chest can showcase a large cross or shield, while the back is suitable for more complex narrative scenes.
Can you get a small Templar tattoo?
Yes. A simple cross pattée or a small sword works better at a small size than a knight or a highly detailed seal. The design needs to remain simple enough to stay legible.
Which style works best for a Templar tattoo?
Realism and black-and-gray are particularly suited to knights and armor. A medieval engraving style creates a very strong historical identity, while minimalism works better for crosses and small designs.
A historical symbol transformed into personal expression
Today, the Templar tattoo stands at the meeting point of medieval history, spirituality, chivalry and personal expression.
The cross pattée, the Templar seal or certain phrases associated with the Order can provide a starting point for a historically inspired design.
Swords, armored knights and large medieval scenes, by contrast, allow for a much freer and more contemporary interpretation.
In both cases, understanding the origin of the symbols before tattooing them helps avoid confusion and, above all, helps you choose a design whose meaning genuinely reflects what you want to wear.
A tattoo is personal. History can provide the symbols; the final meaning belongs to the person who chooses to inscribe them on their skin.